December 2025 – Jellybeans in the City

How Jolly Heart Mate raised ₱1.2M for PGH

Sometimes, the most meaningful acts of generosity begin at home—right in the kitchen.

What started as a simple decision to choose a healthier cooking oil turned into a nationwide show of compassion, as Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil and Filipino households came together to support patients of the Philippine General Hospital. Through its “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” campaign, the brand raised ₱1,227,450 for the Philippine General Hospital Medical Foundation, Inc. (PGHMFI)—exceeding its original ₱1 million commitment.

The official donation turnover was held on November 27, 2025, at Robinsons Supermarket Ermita, in partnership with Robinsons Supermarket. The moment marked more than just the end of a campaign; it celebrated how everyday choices can create real impact for communities in need.

Turning Everyday Cooking into Acts of Bayanihan

Running from July 15 to October 15, 2025, the “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” campaign invited consumers to be part of something bigger. For every bottle of Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil purchased at Robinsons Supermarket during the campaign period, ₱5 was donated to PGHMFI.

This simple mechanic empowered Filipino families to contribute effortlessly—transforming routine grocery runs and daily cooking into meaningful support for PGH’s medical programs and services. The overwhelming response from consumers pushed the total donation beyond expectations, reflecting a collective spirit of bayanihan in action.

A Brand Rooted in Heart Health and Trust

As the leading canola oil brand in the Philippines, Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil has long been trusted by Filipino households for its heart-healthy benefits. With zero cholesterol, rich omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, and the lowest saturated fat among dietary fats, it supports a healthier lifestyle while delivering great taste—making it a staple in everyday Filipino cooking.

According to Fly Ace Corporation Vice President for Marketing Abigail Ng-Reyes, the campaign was ultimately about honoring the consumers who made the donation possible.

“We want to dedicate and honor the loyal consumers of Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil today. They have not only shown love, health, and wellness for their families, but have also extended their generosity to their fellow Filipinos,” she shared.

She also noted that 2025 marks a meaningful milestone for the brand—25 years of advocating heart health for Filipino families—made possible by the trust and support of its consumers.

Making a Real Difference for PGH Patients

The donated funds are already helping PGH address urgent patient needs, particularly for indigent patients who require assistance beyond hospital budgets.

PGHMFI Chairman and President Dr. Telesforo E. Gana Jr. expressed deep gratitude for the support:

“We help indigent patients directly through medical assistance—assisting them with laboratory tests that need to be done outside—and by providing equipment and supplies that are beyond our budget.”

PGH Director Dr. Gap Legaspi echoed the impact of the donation, emphasizing how it helps bridge critical moments when patients urgently need medicines or medical supplies.

Purpose-Driven Partnerships That Bring Hope

The campaign also highlighted the power of collaboration. Through its partnership with Robinsons Supermarket, Jolly Heart Mate showed how brands and retailers can work together to turn everyday shopping into opportunities for social good.

Robinsons Retail Holdings, Inc. President and CEO Stanley Co reflected on this shared mission:

“When we unite for a greater cause, we show that a supermarket can be more than a place to shop—it can be a place where hearts come together.”

Cooking with Purpose, Giving with Heart

More than a fundraising initiative, the “Share-the-Love with Heart Mate” campaign proved that caring for one’s family and caring for the community can go hand in hand. By choosing a product they already trust, consumers helped uplift lives beyond their own homes.

As Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil continues to champion wellness, compassion, and community empowerment, it reminds us that even the smallest daily choices can help create meaningful change.

To learn more, follow @jollyheartmatecanolaoil on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Jolly Heart Mate Canola Oil is available in leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide. More information about the brand can be found at www.flyacecorp.com.

How to enjoy the holiday season while preparing for the year ahead

The holidays are meant to be joyful, but for many Filipinos, they also come with a familiar kind of pressure. Between gift-giving, reunions, travel, and celebrations, expenses can add up quickly—especially when year-end bonuses arrive and spending suddenly feels justified.

Still, the holiday season doesn’t have to be a financial setback. In fact, it can be a meaningful opportunity to make thoughtful money decisions that don’t just support festive plans, but also strengthen financial stability well into the coming year.

This idea was at the heart of insights recently shared by Sun Life Grepa Financial, Inc. (Sun Life Grepa) during its webinar, “From Bonus to Balance: Holiday Budgeting Made Simple.” The discussion encouraged Filipinos to approach holiday spending with greater intention—seeing bonuses not as extra money to burn, but as a chance to align spending with long-term goals.

The webinar highlighted practical holiday budgeting tips that can be applied not only during the festive season, but throughout the year:

Save First, Spend Later

It’s a good practice to set aside a portion of one’s income—including holiday bonuses—before spending on non-essentials. Saving first helps prevent accidental overspending and supports financial stability long after the celebrations are over.

Living within one’s means is equally important. The holiday season can bring social pressure to spend more than usual. So, staying mindful of what one can realistically afford is essential to prevent overspending, borrowing, and unnecessary strain on one’s finances.

Follow the 50/30/20 Budget Method

The webinar recommended the “50/30/20” budgeting method as a practical way to keep finances on track. This means allocating 50% of income for essential needs, 30% for personal wants, and 20% for savings. This balanced approach allows one to enjoy the season while still protecting their financial priorities.

Once a budget is in place, sticking to it becomes just as important. Straying from one’s spending plan—especially during the holidays—can quickly lead to credit card debt or a depleted bank account. Maintaining discipline helps keep expenses manageable.

Pay Off Credit Card Debt in Full

Clearing high-interest balances is one of the most effective ways to lighten the financial load going into the new year. By paying in full, one can avoid accumulating interest and begin the next year with a clean slate. It also frees up funds that can be redirected toward savings, investments, or achieving other financial goals, making overall money management more effective.

Build Your Emergency Fund

Preparing a financial cushion is crucial for emergencies, illnesses, and even natural disasters. Sun Life Grepa encouraged participants to set aside an emergency fund equivalent to three to six months of expenses, ensuring that they have a reliable safety net when unforeseen situations arise.

Focus on Your Goals and Dreams

Having a clear sense of what they are working toward — whether saving for education, buying a home, starting a business, or planning for retirement — can make all the difference in how people manage their money. When goals are defined, each financial decision becomes more intentional, which helps keep spending in check.

Prioritize Your Health and Wellness

Financial wellness goes hand in hand with physical and mental well-being. Investing in one’s health — through regular checkups, a balanced diet, and insurance plans — can prevent unexpected medical expenses and reduce stress, creating a stronger foundation for long-term financial stability.

Sun Life Grepa helps Filipinos maximize their income while prioritizing health, wellness, and financial security. Through a range of life and health protection plans, the leading life insurer empowers families to enjoy the present with confidence, knowing that both their well-being and financial future are protected.

As the year winds down, the goal isn’t to spend perfectly—it’s to spend with intention. The holidays can still be full of generosity, celebration, and togetherness, without sacrificing peace of mind once January arrives.

By taking small but mindful steps, Filipinos can turn year-end bonuses and everyday income into tools for stability, not stress. Just as important, prioritizing health and wellness helps ensure that financial plans remain resilient, no matter what the year ahead brings.

With the right habits and support in place, it becomes easier to enjoy the present while staying confident about the future. And when financial protection and wellness go hand in hand, families are better equipped to welcome the new year feeling prepared, secure, and hopeful.

To learn more about Sun Life Grepa’s financial protection and wellness solutions, visit www.sunlifegrepa.com or speak with a Sun Life Grepa financial advisor today.

What Do You Really Think About Legacy Planning?

Legacy planning isn’t exactly the kind of topic you bring up over coffee or weekend brunch. For many of us, who are deep into careers, raising families, building assets, or supporting parents, it feels like something that belongs far off in the future. But a new study from Sun Life Asia reveals why it might be time to think about it sooner rather than later—and why many Filipinos are worried that what they’ve worked so hard to build might not last.

The report, Passing the Torch: Building Lasting Legacies in Asia, surveyed more than 3,000 people across the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Vietnam. And what it uncovered is a mix of practical concerns, emotional truths, and generational realities that will sound familiar to anyone navigating adulthood today.

What really matters to Filipinos when planning a legacy?

For most of us, “legacy” is no longer just about passing down money or property—it’s about ensuring that the people we love are secure long after we’re gone.

According to the study, more than seven in ten Filipino respondents (77%) say that having protection in place to ensure their family’s financial security is the most important part of legacy planning. That tracks with where many mid-career Filipinos are today: juggling financial responsibilities, maybe raising kids, maybe caring for aging parents, and definitely thinking about stability.

After financial security, the next priorities are:

Educating future generations about financial responsibilities (53%)
Building enough wealth to pass to the next generation (52%)

This shows a shift happening right now among Filipino families. It’s no longer enough to earn and save. We want our children—and even our younger siblings, nieces, or nephews—to be equipped to handle money wisely. Teaching them to manage what they inherit is becoming just as important as leaving the inheritance itself.

How Filipinos want their legacy to be used

The study also highlights what Filipinos hope their wealth will do for the next generation. The majority—69%—prefer that what they leave behind goes to essential family needs such as housing and healthcare.

Others want their legacy to help create future opportunities:

63% want wealth to support long-term wealth creation, not just immediate needs.
62% want to fund education, whether that’s school, college, or vocational training.

If you’re someone who’s spent years building your career or starting a business, this probably resonates deeply. We want our families to be comfortable, but we also want them to have momentum—something that helps them build their own futures, not just survive day-to-day.

But here’s the hard part: many fear their wealth won’t last

This is where the report gets especially real.

A striking 81% of Filipino respondents fear that their wealth won’t last beyond their children’s generation. More than half—64%—are worried their heirs might not be financially equipped to manage what they inherit. And only 45% are confident their children will actually uphold their wishes around preserving and growing family assets.

For anyone raising Gen Z or Gen Alpha—or even navigating relationships with younger relatives—these numbers reflect the tension we often feel. Values are shifting. Priorities are shifting. Family conversations about money sometimes don’t happen as openly as they should.

Legacy is more than money—it’s meaning

This is one of the most powerful insights from the study.

When asked what kind of legacy they want to leave:

37% mentioned passing down wealth or property
16% want to leave a positive personal influence
13% want to pass on family traditions and life lessons

It’s a reminder that legacy isn’t just about pesos and bank accounts. It’s about who we are, what we stand for, and the stories and values we want to live on long after us.

Yet only 43% believe their children will uphold family traditions. The rest—more than half—are unsure or worried these traditions may fade.

Many are aware of legacy planning—but few feel prepared

Even as legacy planning becomes more important, only 18% of Filipinos feel fully prepared. A small minority—just 6%—have completed and communicated their legacy plans. Meanwhile:

53% only have partial plans
25% have no plans at all

Many of the conversations happening in families today are also unstructured. 42% of discussions about legacy are informal or casual. But only 19% actually prefer it that way. Most people want more structured, thoughtful conversations—they just don’t know how to start them.

Financial literacy is becoming part of the inheritance

This is one of the most encouraging trends in the study. Many families are already preparing the next generation by:

Teaching financial basics (66%)
Engaging in open financial discussions (57%)
Sharing personal financial experiences (57%)

There’s also a growing interest in professional advice. 43% have already engaged advisors, and 46% are planning to.

As Benedict Sison, CEO and Country Head of Sun Life Philippines, puts it:

“People today want to pass on more than wealth; they want to give the next generation the knowledge and values to manage it wisely.”

Why this matters for our generation

We are the bridge generation: caring for older parents, raising or guiding younger ones, and trying to build stability in an unpredictable world. This study shows that we’re thinking more deeply about legacy—not just in terms of assets, but in the form of values, education, and preparedness.

Legacy planning isn’t morbid. It’s practical. It’s empowering. And as the report reminds us, it’s something we can start shaping today—through the conversations we have, the habits we teach, and the plans we take time to put in place.

To learn more about Sun Life’s award-winning products and how they can help witch your legacy planning, visit its website or contact a Sun Life advisor for personalized advice. Your future self will thank you!

AMAH reinvents itself with renovated premises and updated menu

The term “hidden gem” gets thrown around quite an awful lot, particularly in the foodiesphere. Often referring to largely unrecognized, underrated or out-of-the-way places that offer unique and delightful dining experiences, hidden gems serve as the Holy Grail for many of us foodies. Being able to discover one and share it to our networks is usually a highlight experience.

One such hidden gem is AMAH in Taguig.

The rooftop restaurant with awesome scenic views of Bonifacio Global City is the brainchild of Chef Jose Villareal. Together with his fellow culinary students from Enderun Colleges, particularly co-Chef Gab Escalambre, he set up a fine dining restaurant serving Filipino-Chinese heirloom dishes in his family home during the pandemic. This is where they can gain real-world, on-the-job experience while continuing to hone their craft.

AMAH recently reopened its doors, with new features for its diners to enjoy which I discovered during a visit with my foodie friends.

Renovated restaurant premises

Since my last visit to this restaurant in 2023, some improvements have been implemented in the restaurant which are sure to enhance the dining experience.

The former al fresco dining area has been converted to a fully air-conditioned space. This change makes the restaurant a lot cooler and comfortable during the summer months while sheltering the diners from unwanted downpours during the rainy season.

More tables and chairs have also been added to the main dining area as well as well as to the upstairs section, significantly expanding the restaurant’s capacity and making it suitable for large gatherings and parties, while retaining pocket spaces for more intimate meals.

Bold menu updates

Chefs Jose and Gab also revamped AMAH’s menu with even fresher twists on Filipino and Asian-fusion viands, all prepared with exacting methods and exquisitely served by their wait staff. These show-stopping fare give diners an experience of the delicate balance between presentation, flavor and textures. These include:

So whether you’re planning a special intimate dinner for two in a picturesque setting or a large family or office gathering with show-stopping dishes, AMAH is surely your best bet, especially with its recent improvements.

Book your table by messaging AMAH on Facebook or Instagram or call +63 962 8767085.

AMAH is located at 27 F. Segundo Street, Phase 4, AFPOVAI, Western Bicutan, Taguig City, open Mondays to Wednesdays from 5pm to 10pm and Fridays to Mondays from 11am to 3pm and 5pm to 10pm.

Disclosure: Together with fellow content creators, I attended a food tasting held at this restaurant.

4 new reasons to spend the holiday season at J Castles

Christmas is definitely right around the corner, and if you haven’t taken your nearest-and-dearest to what could be your new “happy place,” you and the fam are missing quite a lot!

Dubbed as the country’s “biggest immersive theme park,” J Castles is a 30-acre area in Tanauan, Batangas, that is absolutely jam-packed with all sorts of family fun: from thrilling adventures, nostalgic journeys and awe-inspiring attractions.

A year after my very first visit where I explored the park’s Castle Pop and Castle Studios, and enjoyed the gastronomic offerings of Castle Foodie, I joined my fellow content creators again in touring the park’s newest features which give families compelling reasons to visit again and again, during the holidays and beyond.

1. Castle Adventure

Got hyperactive kiddos? Castle Adventure’s got all the fun stuff: here, the little ones can have an outlet for their boundless energy with exciting slides, hopscotch and obstacle courses, swings, interactive zones and lightscapes where they can run, climb, jump, explore, go on quests and let themselves and their imagination run wild.

2. Castle Carnival

In the mood for diversion and amusement? Castle Carnival should be right up your alley. Here, the fam can enjoy fun rides such as twirling teacups, drop-and-bounce, and even a double-decker carousel!

3. Castle Inflatables

What better way to take advantage of J Castles’ proximity to Taal Lake than to admire the scenic view from the country’s longest inflatable Infinity Pool? Enjoy some fun in the sun with the fam while lounging on the poolside or cooling down in the water.

You can also challenge your shooting and tossing skills through various classic carnival games reimagined in larger-than-life inflatable form.

If your kids feel like expending some more energy, they can explore more of Castle Inflatables’ attractions where they can run, climb, slide, spin and tumble to their heart’s delight!

4. Dreamers

J Castles recently unveiled its new nighttime light and fireworks show, featuring entrancing music, lights, and storytelling. While the castle’s facade is awash with captivating colors and shapes, the skies beyond it light up with a spectacular fireworks display.

Plan your fam’s visit today

Ready to bring your family to your newest happy place over the holidays? Book your tickets today via Klook – use my code “JELLYBEANS” to enjoy up to 5% discount.

J Castles is located at Purok 7, Barangay Gonzales, Tanauan City, Batangas. The park is open from 11am to 7pm, while Castle Inflatables is open from 9am to 6pm.

To get there:

via Private Vehicle: From Metro Manila, take the Sambat Exit (Star Tollway, Tanauan City, Batangas), exit to Talisay – Tanauan Road (2.5km) and follow signages going to J Castles.
via Public Transport: Take a bus going to Tanauan City from any major bus terminal in Metro Manila, then alight at Tanauan City bus stop where you can take a ride going to Victory Mall, Tanauan. Take a jeepney or tricycle going to Barangay Gonzales, where J Castles is located.
J Castles also offer an exclusive point-to-point shuttle service departing from Barangay Santor hourley from 1pm to 5pm.

Disclosure: Together with other content creators, I attended a tour of J Castles. Tickets and food were provided at no charge in exchange for this feature.